Gravity Equinus Position to Control the Tendon Length of Reversed Free Tendon Flap Reconstruction for Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture

Comparison Study of Mini-Incision Versus Original Open Technique of the Half-Mini-Bunnell Achilles Tendon Repair

Mini-incision surgical procedures in our institution have been developed by decreasing the total skin incision length from the original mini half-Bunnell tendon repair technique. We hypothesized that the mini-incision, or minimum invasive Achilles tendon repair technique, would promote the tendon healing process leading to better outcomes and a reduced complication rate compared to the conventional open repair. The study sought to determine the more optimal method by comparing 44 mini-incision sutures to the 99 sutures in the original open Achilles tendon repairs. The mean skin incision length of the mini-incision surgery was 2.9 (range 2.5-3.0) cm and the original repair was 4.2 (range 3.5-7.0) cm. The mean surgery time was 60.0 minutes in the mini-incision repair and 68.1 minutes in the original one (p = .0003). The mean achievement time of bilateral heel-rise, starting jogging, single-legged heel-rise movement and the time to return-to-play was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Achilles Tendon Rupture Score was not significantly different from 3 to 9 months after surgery. Re-injury rate was 1/44 (2.3%) in mini-incision and 4/99 (4.0%) in conventional open repair (p = .36). No patients in either group developed any postoperative infections nor deep vein thrombosis complications. Although the mini-incision half-mini-Bunnell suture was showed equivalent clinical results to the original open repair, the technique is recommended in terms of curtailment of the surgery time without increase of complication ratio.

Neglected Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Achilles tendon ruptures are a common ailment and often missed in upwards of 25% of cases. Neglected Achilles injuries can be treated both conservatively and surgically. Physical therapy, bracing, and custom ankle-foot orthoses are some options to consider. Surgically, there are many options, depending on the quality of the existing tendon, size of the defect, and the surgeon's comfort with the technique. Those procedures include primary repair, V-Y tendon advancement, turndown flap, tendon transfers, and other allografts. These techniques have been shown to have good to excellent outcomes and typically return patients to activities without complaints.

Open Reconstructive Strategies for Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures typically are treated with surgical intervention except in low-demand patients or patients who are unable to tolerate surgery. Although several treatment strategies are described, most literature is case reports and case series. There is no widely accepted algorithm or gold standard for surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. Treatment strategy depends on the size of the tendon gap after excision of nonviable tissue and scar tissue. Smaller gaps can be treated with direct end-to-end repair. Medium-sized gaps can be treated with tendon-lengthening procedures. Tendon transfers, autograft, allograft, xenograft, and synthetic grafting are described for the reconstruction of large defects.